5 Valuable Tips on How to Choose the Safest Swing Set for Your Kids

There are many considerations to make when you choose a swing set for your kids. The frames are made out of either metal or pressure-treated wood; there are sets with only swings, while other play stations have slides, ladders and other accessories. Of course, the most important consideration to make is how safe the swing set is for your kids. Use these 5 valuable tips on how to choose the safest swing set for your kids and you can rest assured you've done your part in protecting them:

1. If You Choose Wood, Avoid Pine Swing Sets
Pine is one of the softest woods there is. Therefore, swing sets that are made with pine frames aren't the most durable. Another problem with this soft wood is that it tends to deteriorate from the inside out. The wood frame could be rotting away without you knowing it... until the frame collapses, that is!

2. Pressure-Treated Lumber Can Be a Safe Choice...
as long as the wood hasn't been treated with harmful chemicals such as arsenic or chromium. Arsenic, in particular, has been linked to cancer, according to the EPA. Therefore, to choose the safest swing set for your kids, be sure to ask how the wood is protected before you choose to buy a swing set with a natural frame.

Otherwise, the advantage of choosing this type of play station that's made with waterproofed, pressure-treated wood is strong and long-lasting.

3. Check Wood or Metal Frames for Skin Hazards
Swing sets that have bolts extending out without being covered with nylon or rubber pose a safety hazard. The bolt ends can scratch, cut and even tear your kids' skin. Choose the safest swing set by inspecting the frame for exposed bolts, jagged corners and sharp edges. If the corners aren't rounded, they should at least be covered with a safe, protective material.

4. Choose a Swing Set That Has Wrapped Chains, Not Ropes
There are numerous cases reported in the United States every year where kids get accidentally strangled by window blind strings, electrical cords and ropes. Unfortunately, swing sets that use ropes to hold the swings up can also cause this type of injury. To choose the safest swing set for your kids, look for a play station that uses chain linked hangers that are wrapped in plastic or nylon.

A second advantage in choosing the wrapped hangers is that it protects small fingers from getting caught inside the metal chain links.

A third advantage of chain link hangers over rope ones is that the latter will deteriorate over time and make using the swings unsafe.

5. Ground Anchors Prevent Swing Sets From Toppling Over
To choose the safest swing set for your kids, look for a model that has ground anchors. Ground anchors keep this type of play station firmly attached to the ground. Granted, you can buy these safety accessories separately. But a company that includes them with their swing sets is showing their customers they have your kids' safety in mind. Chances are, the company has incorporated other safeguards into their product as well.